12.01.05
Banner Pharmacaps, High Point, NC, has been assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,949,256 for its development of a non-gelatin capsule shell formulation. The film-forming hydrocolloid composition uses kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, a bulking agent, plasticizer and water. The patent covers the methodology for making the capsules. Banner utilizes this technology in its non-animal soft gel line called EcoCaps. Commercialization is underway, with select products currently being introduced into global markets. Non-animal capsules are important due to changing consumer and corporate preferences.